[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 183 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2146-E2147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   UNJUST IMPRISONMENT OF ALAN GROSS

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2011

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my sincere concern 
over the unjust imprisonment of Alan Gross by the Cuban government. A 
true humanitarian, Mr. Gross was sentenced in March to 15 years in 
prison for ``acts to undermine the integrity and independence'' of 
Cuba.
  Before the sentencing earlier this year, Mr. Gross had already been 
imprisoned for two years without charge. He was in Cuba as part of a 
USAID contract to provide support to members of the Cuban Jewish 
community

[[Page E2147]]

when he was arrested. He was helping to improve their access to the 
internet and to build an intranet. Never did any of his actions pose a 
threat or danger to the Cuban government. Because of his unethical 
imprisonment, Mr. Gross, who is 62 years old, is declining in health 
and spirit and quick action must be taken.
  Mr. Gross is an international development specialist and social 
worker. He has positively impacted the lives of people in over 50 
countries, including the West Bank, Gaza, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, 
and Haiti. His work has always focused on helping people.
  I join my constituents of the Jewish Community Relations Council of 
New York, Mr. Gross' wife Judy, their two daughters, and my Colleagues 
Senator Ben Cardin and Congressman Chris Van Hollen in calling for the 
speedy and unconditional release of Allan Gross.

                          ____________________